Deepak Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Aug 24 : Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo who was on a maiden visit to the UAE to address 'Pastoral Plan 2025', in a gathering of leaders of various association and other invitees at London Suites, Al Wasl Club, Dubai on Saturday, August 22 said that the three-year-old Udupi diocese is marching in the right direction with the blessings of the almighty, and support from the clergy and the laity.
"Our vision to make Udupi diocese number one in the nation, not by competing or letting others down, but by utilizing the resources available within the diocese, empowering the youth, women and the underprivileged.
"We have a Pastoral Plan 2015, prepared by the people of our own diocese, not by me or any clergy. We want to do what the laity of Udupi diocese wants to do, because diocese belongs to the laity," he said, amidst a huge applause from the packed gathering.
The 25-minutes speech by the bishop captivated the audience and inspired leaders of associations and individuals to offer spontaneous financial and other kind of support to the diocese.
"Honesty, integrity, and transparency will take any institution to the next level. Our job is to enhance spirituality among people, we must focus more on spirituality, and imbibe leadership and development qualities among the youth and the women. Out of 50 parishes in Udupi diocese, finances of 31 are handled by the laity. This is a new revolution," he added.
"To empower youth, women and other laities we need infrastructure which will be built according to the laity's recommendation in the Pastoral Plan 2025. We trust God, He will surely help us. I am proud of my diocesan people living around the Gulf and other countries, and I thank everyone for their support to the diocese," he said.
"The ball has been set rolling already for encouraging the youth to take up top governmental services and active role in politics, etc. I am sure very soon we will see our own members of the diocese passing IAS, IPS, KAS and other such exams, and joining top posts in the Navy, Army etc. The diocese has already implemented all 18 commissions as per the directions of the Pope. Very soon, we will see a women's bank in the diocese, apart from several self-helf groups which are already active," the bishop said.
Earlier, the event started at around 6.45 pm with a prayer song by Eldrina, Joshal and Gretta. Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld in his welcome address introduced the guests bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Lobo, vicar general of Udupi diocese Msgr Baptist Menezes, PRO of Udupi diocese Fr Denis D'Sa, and philanthropist and entrepreneur Michael D'Souza.
"When we have such a humble bishop with us who is ready to listen to the problems of the laity, and ready to accept the laity's recommendations and suggestions, we must support his every step. Udupi diocese has a tremendous advisory board in the form of Msgr Baptist, Fr Denis, Fr Lawrence and many other priests who have plenty of knowlede and working experience. Without the support of members of Mangaluru diocese, Udupi diocese cannot be built, hence it is time for us to unite and support Udupi diocese without identifying ourselves with a single diocese or differentiating between the two dioceses," said Walter Nandalike.
Fr Denis D'Sa presented a video documentary explaining the birth and rise of the Udupi diocese and its needs as well.
Msgr Baptist Menezes elaborated on the need for infrastructure for the development of the diocese, including establishment of a pastoral centre, minor seminary, retired priests' homes, hospital and medical college, and a Bishop's House. Msgr Menezes spontaneous, humorous and witty speech was lauded by the members present.
Michael D'Souza in his message gave inspirational tips to the leaders of the diocese as well as the audience, saying, "In commercial or any other kind of venture, all you need is a 'triangle' to achieve success - You need to have cash, enough knowledge and value for money. Udupi diocese is blessed with priests and leaders who have tremendous knowledge, which is a big asset. Now it is our duty to support them monetarily to realize the dream and formation of a complete Udupi diocese."
Godwin D'Souza, Moodubelle compered the programme with a unique way of narration.
During the interactive session, leaders like Ronald Olivera, Ronald Saby, Nanu Marol, Wilson D'Sa, Naveen D'Souza and many others gave valuable suggestions and doubts on various issues were also cleared.
Robert D'Sa, MD of Macy's gave an emotional call for a comfortable and well-equipped retired priests' home. "Today priests spread the word of God, work for people and contribute to the development of the community. But I am stunned to see the life priests lead after retirement. I am moved when I visit them, and see how they are ignored," he said. To build a retired priests' home in the diocese, he initiated support which was hugely lauded by the gathering.
The well-organised event attended by a large number of community leaders ended around 9 pm. Several associations and volunteers came forward to support the Udupi diocese in a big way.
Transparency :
In what may perhaps be termed as a rarity in the history of the Church or diocese, Udupi diocese has announced a clear and transparent way to present financial statements. A dedicated website will soon come into existence where anyone can access the contribution made to Udupi diocese, project plans and all the details in a totally transparent manner. The idea was widely hailed by the members present at the programme.
Ronald Olivera, speaking to daijiworld said, "This is the first I am seeing a visionary bishop who speaks from the heart, and never asks for money or any favour. Perhaps Udupi diocese is the only one, or one of the few dioceses in the country where 70% commissions are headed and managed by the laity. Everywhere else we see only the clergy control and manage the commissions and finances."
Ronald Saby, an entrepreneur and leader from Moodubelle said that the transparency promise given by the bishop will take Udupi diocese to a new level without doubt. It is rare see such a humble and visionary bishop in today's times. With this move, I am sure the diocese will prosper, and people will volunteer to come forward and help.